Elastic cosmetic masks and methods for treating skin

ABSTRACT

The instant disclosure relates to masks, methods for making masks, methods for improving film elasticity of masks, and to methods of treating skin with masks. The masks are formed by applying a mask base composition onto a surface, the mask base composition comprising: (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof; (ii) hectorite (lithium magnesium sodium silicate); (iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and (iv) water; and exposing the mask base composition to a crosslinking composition for a time sufficient to crosslink the alginic acid and/or a salt thereof and form a final mask, the crosslinking composition being an aqueous liquid comprising (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and (ii) water. The instant disclosure further relates to masks formed by the disclosed methods and to kits comprising the compositions for making and/or using the masks.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to masks, to methods for making themasks, to methods for improving the elasticity of the masks, and tocosmetic methods for treating skin with the masks.

BACKGROUND

Skin acts as a natural barrier between the internal and the externalenvironment and therefore plays an important role in vital biologicalfunctions such as protection against mechanical and chemical injury,micro-organisms, and ultraviolet damage.

Skin, however, is delicate, is easily damaged, and tends to lose itsyouthful appearance with age. Consumers are interested in finding waysto minimize damage and the aging process of skin. To achieve theappearance of healthy and youthful looking skin, consumers utilize avariety of skin care products, diet supplements, and beautificationmethods.

In addition to the natural aging process, UV light contributes to theaging of skin by causing free radicals to form. Free radicals include,for example, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, the superoxide anion,nitric oxide and hydrogen radicals. Free radicals attack DNA, membranelipids and proteins, generating carbon radicals. These in turn reactwith oxygen to produce a peroxyl radical that can attack adjacent fattyacids to generate new carbon radicals. This cascade leads to a chainreaction producing lipid peroxidation products. Damage to cell membranesresults in loss of cell permeability, increased intercellular ionicconcentration, and decreased ability to excrete or detoxify wasteproducts. The end result is a loss of skin elasticity and the appearanceof wrinkles. This process is commonly referred to as photo-aging.

One method that has been used to improve the appearance of skin,especially the skin of the face and neck, is the use of facial masks.Facial masks are used for a variety of reasons, including:deep-cleansing, by penetrating the pores; healing acne scars orhyper-pigmentation; and brightening, for a gradual illumination of theskin tone.

There are a few different types of masks. Some masks are designed to dryor solidify on the face, while others remain wet. Clay masks can helpdraw oil and dirt to the surface of the skin. As the name indicates,clay masks include clay(s), which help provide tightening andsebum-absorbing effects. Cream masks or gel masks are often formulatedto hydrate and nourish the skin. Setting masks harden into a rubberystate, and therefore setting masks can be peeled away from the faceafter use by the user or an aesthetician.

Duration for wearing a mask varies with the type of mask and themanufacturer's usage instructions, and may range from a few minutes toovernight. After use, a mask is typically removed by rinsing with water,wiping off with a damp cloth, or by peeling the mask away from the skin.While it may be desirable to simply peel a mask away from the skin, thishas been difficult with known mask compositions, which tend to breakinto pieces while leaving residue behind.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to masks and in particular to cosmeticmasks for treating skin such as the skin of the face and neck. Theinventors discovered that lithium magnesium sodium silicate, unlikeother clays, provides unexpected elasticity to alginate-based masks. Theimproved elasticity contributes to better aesthetics, reducedbrittleness, and easier removal of the mask from skin. Another uniquefeature of the masks is that they can be formed in situ, e.g., the maskscan be formed on the face of an individual. A mask base composition isinitially spread onto an area to be treated (e.g., the face of anindividual). An aqueous crosslinking solution is then applied to themask base composition (the mask base composition that is already on anarea to be treated) to crosslink alignate in the mask base composition.The resulting mask therefore perfectly matches the shape and contour ofthe face. Additionally, the elastic nature of the mask is comfortableand allows for movement of the face while wearing the mask withoutcracking or breaking the mask.

The masks are formed by applying a mask base composition onto a surface,the mask base composition comprising:

(i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;

(ii) lithium magnesium sodium silicate;

(iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and

(iv) water;

and exposing the mask base composition to a crosslinking composition fora time sufficient to crosslink the alginic acid and/or a salt thereofand form a final mask, the crosslinking composition being an aqueousliquid comprising:

(i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and

(ii) water.

The final masks exhibit improved elasticity in comparison to analogousmasks that do not include lithium magnesium sodium silicate, and incomparison to analogous masks having the lithium magnesium sodiumsilicate replaced with other clays.

The mask base composition is typically in a form that is easily spreador applied to skin (e.g., a cream, paste, gel, etc.). This allows forthe mask base composition to be conventinely applied and spread ontoskin using the fingers or hands if desired. Nonetheless, other methodsof applying the mask base composition may certainly be employed.

The crosslinking composition is an aqueous liquid that is typically lessviscous than the mask base composition. The aqueous liquid usually has afluidity allowing it to be sprayable. Therefore, the crosslinkingcomposition can be conveniently applied to the mask base composition byspraying. The time sufficient for the crosslinking composition tocrosslink alginic acid and/or a salt thereof in the mask basecomposition is typically very quick, less than five minutes, but in manyinstances much faster, for example, one minute or less. Uponcrosslinking, the final mask is formed. The final mask is usually moresolid or rigid than the mask base composition due to the crosslinkingreaction. Thus, the final mask may be a solid composite having anelastic texture or may be a thickened cream, paste, gel, or semi-solidmaterial.

The instant disclosure also relates to masks formed by the methodsdescribed herein and to kits comprising the various components and/orcompositions for use in the methods disclosed herein. For example, a kitmay include:

(a) a mask base composition comprising:

-   -   (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;    -   (ii) lithium magnesium sodium silicate;    -   (iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and    -   (iv) water; and

(b) a crosslinking composition comprising:

-   -   (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and    -   (ii) optionally, water;

wherein the mask base composition and the crosslinking composition areseparately contained. In some cases, however, the lithium magnesiumsodium silicate may be separate from the mask base composition in thekit, resulting in a kit that includes:

(a) a mask base composition comprising:

-   -   (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;    -   (ii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and    -   (iii) water;

(b) a composition comprising lithium magnesium sodium silicate; and

(c) a crosslinking composition comprising:

-   -   (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and    -   (ii) optionally, water;

wherein the mask base composition, the composition comprising lithiummagnesium sodium silicate, and the crosslinking composition areseparately contained.

The masks of the instant disclosure are particularly effective fortreating skin, especially the skin of the face and neck. Thus, theinstant disclosure relates to methods for treating skin including theskin of the face and neck. For example, the instant disclosure includesmethods for: (1) reducing the appearance of fine lines in skin; (2)reducing the appearance of wrinkles in skin; (3) improving theappearance of skin tone and/or skin tone evenness; (4) impartingsoftness to skin; (5) improving the radiance, luminosity, and/or glow ofskin; (6) hydrating the skin; and/or (7) deliver one or more skin activeingredients to the skin. The methods include forming a mask on the skin(as described above), allowing the mask to remain on the skin for aperiod of time, and removing the mask from the skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to masks, methods for making the masks,methods for improving the elasticity of the masks, and to cosmeticmethods for treating skin with the masks. The methods typically include

-   -   (a) applying a mask base composition onto a surface, the mask        base composition comprising:        -   (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;        -   (ii) lithium magnesium sodium silicate;        -   (iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and        -   (iv) water; and    -   (b) exposing the mask base composition to a crosslinking        composition for a time sufficient to crosslink the alginic acid        and/or a salt thereof and form a final mask, the crosslinking        composition being an aqueous liquid comprising:        -   (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals;            and        -   (ii) water.

The mask base composition is applied to a surface such as skin (and inparticular the skin of the face and neck). The mask base composition maybe applied to provide a substantially uniform thickness of about 1 toabout 25 mm. The thickness may also be about 1 to about 20 mm, about 1to about 15 mm, about 1 to about 10 mm, about 1 to about 5 mm, about 2to about 25 mm, about 2 to about 20 mm, about 2 to about 15 mm, about 2to about 10 mm, about 2 to about 8 mm, about 2 to 5 mm, or about 3 mm.The amount of mask base composition applied to the surface largelydetermines the thickness of the final mask because the crosslinkingcomposition adds little, if any, appreciate thickness to the final mass.Accordingly, the thickness of the final mask may vary but is typicallyabout 1 to about 25 mm. The thickness of the final mask may be about 1to about 20 mm, about 1 to about 15 mm, about 1 to about 10 mm, about 1to about 5 mm, about 2 to about 25 mm, about 2 to about 20 mm, about 2to about 15 mm, about 2 to about 10 mm, about 2 to about 8 mm, about 2to 5 mm, or about 3 mm.

The final masks exhibit improved elasticity in comparison to analogousfinal masks that do not include lithium magnesium sodium silicate. Forexample, the final masks typically have an elongation to break at 25° C.that is at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 150 (up to about 200% or300%) higher than that of an analogus final mask not containing lithiummagnesium sodium silicate. Similarly, the final masks may have anelongation to break at 25° C. that is at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%,or 150 (up to about 200% or 300%) higher than that of an analogues finalmask having the lithium magnesium sodium silicate substituted with thesame amount of another clay such as another smectite clay (e.g., kaolinor montmorillonite) or mica.

The time sufficient to crosslink alginic acid and/or a salt thereof andform a final mask may vary and can depend on the concentration and typeof polyvalent cations of the one or more metals in the crosslinkingcomposition; and can also vary depending on the amount of crosslinkingcomposition applied to the mask base composition. Nonetheless, the timesufficient to crosslink alginic acid and/or a salt thereof and form afinal mask is usually less than 5 minutes. In particular, the timesufficient to crosslink alginic acid and/or a salt thereof and form afinal mask may be 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes orless, or 1 minute or less. Typically the crosslinking reaction occursnearly instantaneously upon exposure of the mask base composition to thecrosslinking composition. Therefore, crosslinking begins within a fewseconds of applying the crosslinking composition to the mask basecomposition.

The mask base composition is typically in a form that can easily bespread or applied to skin (e.g., a cream, paste, gel, etc.). This allowsfor the mask base composition to be applied and spread onto skin usingthe fingers or hands if desired. The crosslinking composition, however,is an aqueous liquid that is typically less viscous than the mask basecomposition. The aqueous liquid usually has a fluidity allowing it to besprayable. Therefore, the crosslinking composition may conveniently beapplied onto the mask base composition by spraying. Upon crosslinking, afinal mask is formed. The final mask is usually more solid or rigid thanthe mask base composition due to the crosslinking reaction. For example,the final mask may be a solid composite having an elastic texture or maybe a thickened (or rigid) cream, paste, gel, or semi-solid material.

As touched on above, the crosslinking composition is an aqueous liquidthat typically has a fluidity allowing it to be sprayable. Thus, in someinstances, the crosslinking composition may be applied to the mask basecomposition by spraying, for example with a pump sprayer or as anaerosol. An amount of crosslinking composition sufficient to crosslinkalginic acid and/or a salt thereof is applied to the mask basecomposition. A sufficient amount is typically an amount that uniformlycovers the surface of the mask base composition. The crosslinkingcomposition may be applied to the mask base composition in an amount ofabout 1 to 10 grams of crosslinking composition per 100 cm² of mask basecomposition. In some cases, the crosslinking composition may be appliedto the mask base composition in an amount of about 1 to 8 grams, about 1to 6 grams, about 2 to 6 grams, or about 3 to 5 grams of crosslinkingcomposition per 100 cm² of mask base composition.

Mask Base Composition

The mask base composition includes alginic acid and/or a salt thereof,lithium magnesium sodium silicate, one or more water-soluble solvents,and water. The mask base composition typically includes very little orno polyvalent metal cations so that premature crosslinking of thealginic acid and/or a salt thereof in the mask base composition isavoided. For example, the maximum content of polyvalent metal cations inthe mask base composition may be 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1%,0.05%, 0.02%, 0.01% or less on a weight basis, relative to the totalamount of alginic acid and/or a salt thereof in the mask basecomposition. Accordingly, the mask base composition is typically free oressentially free of added polyvalent metal cations (e.g., calcium ions),which means that the mask base composition does not include polyvalentmetal cations (e.g., calcium ions) other than those that may benaturally present in the alginate or other raw materials of the maskbase composition.

(i) Alginic Acid and Salts

Alginic acid (sometimes referred to in the literature as “alginate” or“algin”) is an anionic polysaccharide distributed widely in the cellwalls of algae. Alginic acid is a linear copolymer with homopolymericblocks of (1-4)-linked β-D-mannuronate (M) and its C-5 epimerα-L-guluronate (G) residues, respectively, covalently linked together indifferent sequences or blocks. The monomers can appear in homopolymericblocks of consecutive G-residues (G-blocks), consecutive M-residues(M-blocks) or alternating M and G-residues (MG-blocks).

Non-limiting examples of salts of alginic acid (alginates) includesodium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, calciumalginate, propylene glycol alginate, ammonium alginate, triethanolaminealginate, or any combinations thereof. In some instances, the mask basecompositions preferably include alginic acid, sodium alginate, potassiumalginate, or a mixture thereof, because they are particularlywater-soluble.

The total amount of alginic acid and/or salts thereof in the mask basecomposition may vary but is typically about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, basedon the total weight of the mask base composition. The total amount ofalginic acid and/or salts thereof in the mask base composition may beabout 0.1 to about 15 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 toabout 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 15 wt. %,about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 toabout 20 wt%, about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, orabout 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask basecomposition.

(ii) Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate

The lithium magnesium sodium silicate can be hectorite and/or laponite.Hectorite is naturally occurring clay and laponite is a syntheticsilicate clay consisting mainly of lithium, magnesium and sodiumsilicates. The total amount of lithium magnesium sodium silicate in themask base composition may vary but is typically about 0.1 to about 20wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask base composition. The totalamount of lithium magnesium sodium silicate in the mask base compositionmay be about 0.1 to about 15 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 15wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %,or about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask basecomposition.

The ratio of the total amount of the alginic acid and salts thereof tothe total amount of lithium magnesium sodium silicate in the mask basecomposition may vary but is typically about 1:10 to about 10:1. Theratio of the total amount of the alginic acid and salts thereof to thetotal amount of lithium magnesium sodium silicate in the mask basecomposition may be about 1:8 to about 8:1, about 1:5 to about 5:1, about1:3 to about 3:1, or about 1:2 to about 2:1.

In some instances it may be useful to include a greater total amount oflithium magnesium sodium silicate than the total amount of alginic acidsand salts thereof. For example, the ratio of the total amount of thealginic acid and salts thereof to the total amount of lithium magnesiumsodium silicate in the mask base composition may be 1:(greater than 1)to about 1:10, 1: (greater than 1) to about 1:8, 1:(greater than 1) toabout 1:5, 1:(greater than 1) to about 1:3, 1:1.2 to about 1:10, 1:1.2to about 1:8, 1:1.2 to about 1:5, or about 1:1.2 to about 1:3.

(iii) Water-Soluble Solvent

The mask base composition typically includes at least one water-solublesolvent. The term “water-soluble solvent” is interchangeable with theterm “water-miscible solvent” and means a compound that at 25° C. and atatmospheric pressure (760 mmHg) has a solubility of at least 50% inwater. In some cases, the water-soluble solvent has a solubility of atleast 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% in water at 25° C. and at atmosphericpressure (760 mmHg). Non-limiting examples of water-soluble solventsinclude, for example, glycerin, alcohols (for example, C₁₋₈ or C₁₋₄alcohols), organic solvents, polyols, glycols, and a mixture thereof.

As examples of organic solvents, non-limiting mentions can be made ofmonoalcohols and polyols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols orglycol ethers such as, for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutylethers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or ethers thereof such as,for example, monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol,hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers ofdiethylene glycol, for example monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether ofdiethylene glycol. Other suitable examples of organic solvents areethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol,propane diol, and glycerin. The organic solvents can be volatile ornon-volatile compounds.

Further non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents include alkanols(polyhydric alcohols such as glycols and polyols) such as glycerin,1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, diethylene glycol,butylne glycol, hexylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol,2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol,2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, (caprylyl glycol), 1,2-hexanediol,1,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol; alkyl alcohols having 1to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol, methanol, butanol, propanol, andisopropanol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether,ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycolmono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethyleneglycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-t-butylether, 1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether,propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether,propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol mono-iso-propylether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethylether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, and dipropylene glycolmono-iso-propyl ether; 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone,1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, formamide, acetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, sorbit, sorbitan, acetine, diacetine, triacetine, sulfolane,and a mixture thereof.

In some cases, the water-soluble solvent may be selected from the groupconsisting of one or more glycols, C₁₋₄ alcohols, glycerin, and amixture thereof.

The total amount of the one or more water-soluble solvents may vary butis typically about 0.1 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight ofthe mask base composition. The total amount of the one or morewater-soluble solvents may be about 0.1 to about 40 wt. %, about 0.1 toabout 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 50 wt. %,about 1 to about 40 wt. %, about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 1 to about20 wt. %, about 5 to about 50 wt. %, about 5 to about 40 wt. %, about 5to about 30 wt. %, or about 5 to about 20 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the mask base composition.

(iv) Water

The total amount of water in the mask base composition may vary but istypically in an amount of about 40 to about 95 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the mask base composition. In some instances, the total amountof water in the mask base composition is about 50 to about 95 wt. %,about 60 to about 95 wt. %, about 70 to about 95 wt. %, about 40 toabout 90 wt. %, about 40 to about 50 to about 90 wt. %, about 60 toabout 90 wt. %, or about 70 to about 90 wt. %, based on the total weightof the mask base composition.

Crosslinking Composition

The crosslinking composition is an aqueous liquid containing one or morepolyvalent cations of one or more metals, for example, trivalent ordivalent metal cations, which act as crosslinking agents.

(i) Polyvalent Cations of Metals

Non-limiting examples of trivalent or divalent metal cations include Ca,Cu, Zn, Al, and Fe (ferrous or ferric) cations, as well as Zr-containingcations. For example, any of these may be present as a salt. The saltmay be one with an inorganic counterion, for example, nitrate, chloride,sulfate, or phosphate. Alternatively, the counterion may be an organiccounterion, for example acetate, ascorbate, citrate, or pidolate. Insome cases, an aqueous solution of calcium chloride is a particularlyuseful crosslinking composition.

The total amount of salts in the crosslinking composition that providethe one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals may vary but istypically about 0.1 to about 35 wt. %, based on the total weight of thecrosslinking composition. The total amount of salts in the crosslinkingcomposition that provide the one or more polyvalent cations of one ormore metals may be about 0.1 to about 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 25wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 15 wt. %, about0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 30wt. %, about 0.5 to about 25 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about0.5 to about 15 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5wt. %, about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 toabout 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, or about to about 5 wt. %,based on the total weight of the crosslinking composition.

(ii) Water

The total amount of water in the crosslinking composition may vary butis typically about 50 to about 99 wt. %, based on the total weight ofthe crosslinking composition. The total amount of water in thecrosslinking composition may be about 60 to about 99 wt. %, about 70 toabout 99 wt. %, about 80 to about 99 wt. %, about 85 to about 99 wt. %,about 50 to about 95 wt. %, about 60 to about 95 wt. %, about 70 toabout 95 wt. %, about 80 to about 95 wt. %, or about 85 to about 95 wt.%, based on the total weight of the crosslinking composition.

The methods for making a mask, methods for improving the elasticity of amask, and to method for treating skin, according to the instantdisclosure, include:

-   -   (a) applying a mask base composition onto a surface (such as        skin, in particular, the skin of the face and neck), the mask        base composition comprising:        -   (i) about 0.1 to about 15 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.            %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of            the mask base composition, of alginic acid and/or a salt            thereof;        -   (ii) about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 15 wt.            %, or about 1 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight            of the mask base composition, of lithium magnesium sodium            silicate;        -   (iii) about 0.1 to about 50 wt. %, about 1 to about 40 wt.            %, or about 5 to about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight            of the mask base composition, of one or more water-soluble            solvents, for example, one or more water-soluble solvents            selected from the group consisting of glycerin, alcohols            (e.g., C₁₋₈ alcohols), organic solvents, polyols, glycols,            and a mixture thereof; and        -   (iv) about 40 to about 95 wt. %, about 50 to about 95 wt. %,            or about 60 to about 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of            the mask base composition, of water; and    -   (b) exposing the mask base composition to a crosslinking        composition for a time sufficient to crosslink the alginate and        form a final mask, for example a time of about 5 minutes or        less, the crosslinking composition being an aqueous liquid        comprising:        -   (i) about 0.1 to about 35 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 30 wt.            %, or about 1 to about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight            of the crosslinking composition, of salt(s) that provide one            or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and        -   (ii) about 50 to about 99 wt. %, about 60 to about 99 wt. %,            or about 70 to about 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of            the crosslinking composition, of water.

The mask base composition is preferably exposed to the crosslinkingcomposition by spraying. In other words, the crosslinking composition ispreferably applied to the mask base composition as a spray.

Methods for treating skin may further include allowing the final mask toremain on the skin for a period of time. The period of time may varydepending on the treatment and ultimate objective for using the mask.For example, the mask may be allowed to remain on the skin overnight orfor a period of up to 10 hours, up to 8 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 4hours, up to 2 hours, or up to 1 hour. Shorter periods of time are alsouseful. For example, the mask may be allowed to remain on the skin forabout 1 minute to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute to about 20 minutes,about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, about 1 minute to about 10 minutes,about 5 minute to about 30 minutes about 5 minutes to about 20 minutesabout 5 minutes to about 15 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 10minutes. After allowing the final mask to remain the skin for a periodof time, the final mask is removed from the skin. The final mask may beremoved by sampling peeling the final mask away from the skin andoptionally rinsing the face with water (or cleansing the face with acleanser and water). At the end of the desired time, the mask may beeasily removed by peeling, leaving very little residue on the skin.Typically, the mask can be peeled from a user's skin in at most threepieces, or at most two pieces. I particular, the mask can be peeled in asingle piece.

In addition to the various components specifically set forth above forthe mask base composition and the crosslinking composition, manyadditional components may optionally be included in these compositions(or optionally excluded). For example, the mask base compositions and/orthe crosslinking compositions of the instant disclosure may include (orexclude), clays in addition to the lithium magnesium sodium silicate,for example mica, film forming polymers, surfactants, emulsifiers,thickening agents, silicones, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, colorants,perfumes/fragrances, preservatives, skin active ingredients, emollients,oils, etc.

One or more water-soluble solvents have been described above forinclusion in the mask base compositions. In some instances, thecrosslinking composition may also include one or more water-solublesolvents, such as those described for the mask base composition. One ormore water-soluble solvents (such as those outlined above for the maskbase composition) may be included in the crosslinking composition in anamount of about 0.1 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of thecrosslinking composition. The total amount of the one or morewater-soluble solvents may be about 0.1 to about 40 wt. %, about 0.1 toabout 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 50 wt. %,about 1 to about 40 wt. %, about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 1 to about20 wt. %, about 5 to about 50 wt. %, about 5 to about 40 wt. %, about 5to about 30 wt. %, or about 5 to about 20 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the crosslinking composition.

In some instances, the mask base composition and/or the crosslinkingcomposition of the instant disclosure may include one or more thickeningagents. Many thickening agents are water-soluble, and increase theviscosity of water or form an aqueous gel when the dispersed/dissolvedin water. The aqueous solution may be heated and cooled, or neutralized,for forming the gel, if necessary. The thickening agent may also oralternatively be dispersed/dissolved in water-soluble solvent.Non-limiting examples of thickening agents include polysaccharides(e.g., cellulose, xanthan gum, diutan gum, carrageenan, gellan gum,welan gum, pectin, sclerotium gum, starch, galactoarabinan, andmodified-forms thereof); homopolymers of acrylic acid; acrylic acidcross-linked with a polyfunctional compound (e.g. carbomer and acrylatecrosspolymer; copolymers of acrylic acid, acrylate esters, maleic acidand the like, generally known as the alkali swellable emulsions (ASE)group); hydrophobically-modified copolymers of acrylic acid, acrylateesters, maleic acid and the like, generally known as thehydrophobically-modified alkali swellable emulsions (HASE) group;polyethylene glycol units of varying length connected by urethanelinkages and terminated with hydrophobic end groups, generally known asthe hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated urethane resins (HEUR) group;organoclays; silicas; fatty acids; and combinations thereof. In someinstances, the mask base composition preferably includes one or morepolysaccharide thickening agents, for example, one or more selected fromthe group consisting of cellulose, xanthan gum, diutan gum, carrageenan,gellan gum, welan gum, pectin, sclerotium gum, starch, galactoarabinan,and modified-forms thereof.) A more exhaustive but non-limiting list ofthickening agents that may be included (or excluded) is provided later,under the heading “Skin-Active Agents.”

The total amount of the thickening agents when present in the mask basecomposition and/or the crosslinking composition may vary but istypically about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of themask base composition or the crosslinking composition. The total amountof the thickening agents in the mask base composition may be about 0.01to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.05to about 8 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the maskbase composition or the crosslinking composition.

In some instances, the mask base composition and/or the crosslinkingcomposition may include one or more skin active agents. Non-limitingexamples of skin active agents include adenosine,2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES),hyaluronic acid, lanolin, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaricacid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, a vitamin, a retinoid, retinal,retinoic acid, a carotenoid, an amino acid, a protein, an enzyme, acoenzyme, and a mixture thereof. A more exhaustive but non-limiting listof skin-active agents that may be included (or excluded) is providedlater, under the heading “Skin-Active Agents.”

The total amount of the skin active agents in the mask base compositionor the crosslinking composition may vary but is typically in an amountof about 10 ppm to 10 wt. % (100,000 ppm), 10 ppm to 5 wt. % (50,000ppm), 10 ppm to 2.5 wt. % (25,000 ppm), 10 ppm to 1 wt. % (10,000 ppm),10 ppm to 0.5 wt. % (5,000 ppm), 10 ppm to 0.1 wt. % (1,000 ppm), or 10ppm to 500 ppm of one or more active ingredients. In some cases, the oneor more active ingredients is present in an amount from 10, 20, 30, 40,50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, or 200 ppm to 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 0.1wt. % (1000 ppm), 0.5 wt. % (5,000 ppm), 1 wt. % (10,000 ppm)), 5 wt. %(50,000 ppm), or 10 wt. % (100,000 ppm).

When a component is excluded from the mask base composition and/or thecrosslinking composition, the mask base composition and/or thecrosslinking composition may be “free” or “essentially free” of thecomponent. For instance, in some instances, the mask base compositionand/or the crosslinking composition may be free or essentially free ofone or more of: mica; polymeric film forming polymers (other than thealginic acid and/or salt thereof and the lithium magnesium sodiumsilicate); surfactants and/or emulsifiers (for example, non-ionic,anionic, cationic, and/or amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants and/oremulsifiers); oils; silicones; and/or synthetic ingredients.

In one embodiment, the mask base composition may include:

-   -   (i) about 0.1 to about 15 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, or        about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask        base composition, of alginic acid and/or a salt thereof,        preferably sodium and/or potassium alginate;    -   (ii) about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 15 wt. %,        or about 1 to about 10 wt. %, baed on the total weight of the        mask base composition, of lithium magnesium sodium silicate;    -   (iii) about 0.1 to about 50 wt. %, about 1 to about 40 wt. %, or        about 5 to about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask        base composition, of one or more water-soluble solvents, for        example, one or more water-soluble solvents selected from the        group consisting of lycerin, alcohols (e.g., C₁₋₈ alcohols),        organic solvents, polyols, glycols, and a mixture thereof;    -   (iv) about 40 to about 95 wt. %, about 50 to about 95 wt. %, or        about 60 to about 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of the        mask base composition, of water;    -   (v) optionally, one or more thickening agents, for example,        about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, or        about 0.05 to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the        mask base composition, of one or more thickening agents, in        particular, one or more polysaccharide thickening agents; and    -   (vi) optionally, one or more skin-active agents, for example,        about 10 ppm to about 10 wt. % (100,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to        about 5 wt. % (50,000 ppm), about 10 ppm to about 2.5 wt. %        (25,000 ppm), based on the total weight of the mask base        composition, of one or more skin-active agents selected from the        group consisting of adenosine,        2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES),        hyaluronic acid, lanolin, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid,        tartaric acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, a vitamin, a retinoid,        retinal, retinoic acid, a carotenoid, an amino acid, a protein,        an enzyme, a coenzyme, and a mixture thereof.

In one embodiment, the crosslinking composition may include:

-   -   (i) about 0.1 to about 35 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 30 wt. %, or        about 1 to about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the        crosslinking composition, of salt(s) that provide one or more        polyvalent cations of one or more metals;    -   (ii) about 50 to about 99 wt. %, about 60 to about 99 wt. %, or        about 70 to about 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of the        crosslinking composition, of water;    -   (iii) optionally, about 0.1 to about 50 wt. %, about 1 to about        40 wt. %, or about 5 to about 20 wt. %, based on the total        weight of the crosslinking composition, of one or more        water-soluble solvents, for example, one or more water-soluble        solvents selected from the group consisting of lycerin, alcohols        (e.g., C₁₋₈ alcohols), organic solvents, polyols, glycols, and a        mixture thereof; and    -   (v) optionally, one or more thickening agents, for example,        about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, or        about 0.05 to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the        mask base composition, of one or more thickening agents, in        particular, one or more polysaccharide thickening agents.

The instant disclosure also relates to kits comprising the variouscomponents and/or compositions for use in the methods for making andusing the masks of the instant disclosure. For example, a kit mayinclude:

(a) a mask base composition comprising:

-   -   (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;    -   (ii) lithium magnesium sodium silicate;    -   (iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and    -   (iv) water; and

(b) a crosslinking composition comprising:

-   -   (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and    -   (ii) optionally, water;

wherein the mask base composition and the crosslinking composition areseparately contained. The mask base composition and the crosslinkingcomposition of the kit are generally outlined above but can be modifiedas described throughout this disclosure. In other words, all embodimentsof the disclosure relating to mask base compositions and crosslinkingcompositions apply to kits comprising such compositions.

In some cases, kits according to the disclosure, may contain the lithiummagnesium sodium silicate of the mask base composition as a separatecomponents of the kit. Thus, a kit according to the disclosure mayinclude:

(a) a mask base composition comprising:

-   -   (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof;    -   (ii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and    -   (iii) water;

(b) a composition comprising lithium magnesium sodium silicate; and

(c) a crosslinking composition comprising:

-   -   (i) one or more polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and    -   (ii) optionally, water;

wherein the mask base composition, the composition comprising lithiummagnesium sodium silicate, and the crosslinking composition areseparately contained.

The mask base composition and the crosslinking composition of theabove-kit are generally outlined above but can be modified as describedthroughout this disclosure except that the lithium magnesium sodiumsilicate is not included in the mask base composition. In other words,all embodiments of the disclosure relating to mask base compositions andcrosslinking compositions apply to kits comprising such compositions.

The masks of the instant disclosure are particularly effective for thecosmetic treatment of skin (including non-therapeutic treatment ofskin), especially the skin of the face and neck. For example, theinstant disclosure includes methods for: (1) reducing the appearance offine lines in skin; (2) reducing the appearance of wrinkles in skin; (3)improving the appearance of skin tone and/or skin tone evenness; (4)imparting softness to skin; (5) improving the radiance, luminonsity,and/or glow of skin; (6) hydrating the skin; and/or (7) deliver one ormore skin active ingredients to the skin.

The methods include forming a mask on the skin (as described above),allowing the mask to remain on the skin for a period of time, andremoving the mask from the skin.

More exhaustive but non-limiting lists of components useful in the maskbase compositions and the crosslinking compositions of the instantdisclosure are provided below.

Thickening Agents

The one or more thickening agents may be xanthan gum, guar gum,biosaccharide gum, cellulose, acacia Seneca gum, sclerotium gum,agarose, pechtin, gellan gum, hyaluronic acid. Additionally, the one ormore thickeners may include polymeric thickeners selected from the groupconsisting of ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, ammoniumacryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, sodium polyacrylate, acrylatescopolymers, polyacrylamide, carbomer, and acrylates/C10-30 alkylacrylate crosspolymer. In some cases, the thickening agent includesammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and/or sodium polyacrylate.

Many thickening agents are water-soluble, and increase the viscosity ofwater or form an aqueous gel when the cosmetic composition of theinvention is dispersed/dissolved in water. The aqueous solution may beheated and cooled, or neutralized, for forming the gel, if necessary.The thickener may be dispersed/dissolved in an aqueous solvent that issoluble in water, e.g., ethyl alcohol when it is dispersed/dissolved inwater. Non-limiting examples of various types of thickeners include:

a. Carboxylic Acid Polymers

These polymers are crosslinked compounds containing one or more monomersderived from acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts andesters of these acrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, whereinthe crosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bondsand is derived from a polyhydric alcohol.

Examples of commercially available carboxylic acid polymers usefulherein include the carbomers, which are homopolymers of acrylic acidcrosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol. Thecarbomers are available as the Carbopol 900 series from B.F. Goodrich(e.g., Carbopol® 954). In addition, other suitable carboxylic acidpolymeric agents include Ultrez® 10 (B.F. Goodrich) and copolymers ofC10-30 alkyl acrylates with one or more monomers of acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, or one of their short chain (i.e., C1-4 alcohol)esters, wherein the crosslinking agent is an allyl ether of sucrose orpentaerytritol. These copolymers are known as acrylates/C10-C30 alkylacrylate crosspolymers and are commercially available as Carbopol 1342,Carbopol® 1382, Pemulen TR-1, and Pemulen TR-2, from B.F. Goodrich. Inother words, examples of carboxylic acid polymer thickeners usefulherein are those selected from carbomers, acrylates/C10-C30 alkylacrylate crosspolymers, and mixtures thereof.

b. Crosslinked Polyacrylate Polymers

The compositions of the instant disclosure can optionally containcrosslinked polyacrylate polymers useful as thickeners or gelling agentsincluding both cationic and nonionic polymers. Examples of usefulcrosslinked nonionic polyacrylate polymers and crosslinked cationicpolyacrylate polymers are those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,660,U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,484, U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,206, U.S. Pat. No.4,628,078 U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,379 and EP 228,868, which are allincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

c. Polyacrylamide Polymers

The compositions of the instant disclosure can optionally containpolyacrylamide polymers, especially nonionic polyacrylamide polymersincluding substituted branched or unbranched polymers. Among thesepolyacrylamide polymers is the nonionic polymer given the CTFAdesignation polyacrylamide and isoparaffin and laureth-7, availableunder the Tradename Sepigel 305 from Seppic Corporation.

Other polyacrylamide polymers useful herein include multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids. Commercially available examples of thesemulti-block copolymers include Hypan SR150H, SS500V, SS500W, SSSA100H,from Lipo Chemicals, Inc.

The compositions may also contain thickening and texturising gels of thetype as exemplified by the product range called Lubrajel® from UnitedGuardian. These gels have moisturizing, viscosifying, stabilizingproperties.

d. Polysaccharides

A wide variety of polysaccharides can be useful herein.“Polysaccharides” refer to gelling agents that contain a backbone ofrepeating sugar (i.e., carbohydrate) units. Nonlimiting examples ofpolysaccharide gelling agents include those selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, celluloseacetate propionate carboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodiumcellulose sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Also useful herein are thealkyl-substituted celluloses. Preferred among the alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose ethers is the material given the CTFA designation cetylhydroxyethylcellulose, which is the ether of cetyl alcohol andhydroxyethylcellulose. This material is sold under the tradenameNatrosol® CS Plus from Aqualon Corporation.

Other useful polysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linearchain of (1-3) linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose everythree units, a commercially available example of which is Clearogel™.CS11 from Michel Mercier Products Inc.

e. Gums

Other thickening and gelling agents useful herein include materialswhich are primarily derived from natural sources. Nonlimiting examplesof these gelling agent gums include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid,ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan,carnitine, carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboxymethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, biosacharide gum, andmixtures thereof.

Additional examples of water-soluble thickeners include water-solublenatural polymers, water-soluble synthetic polymers, clay minerals andsilicic anhydride. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble naturalpolymers include gum arabic, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, guar gum,gellan gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, tamarind gum, sodium alginate,alginic acid propyleneglycol ester, carrageenan, farcelluran, agar,high-methoxy pectin, low-methoxy pectin, xanthine, chitosan, starch (forexample starch derived from corn, potato, wheat, rice, sweet potato andtapioca, a-starch, soluble starch), fermentation polysaccharide (forexample, xanthan gum, pullulan, carciran, dextran), acidichetero-polysaccharide derived from callus of plants belonging toPolyantes sp. (for example, tuberous polysaccharide), proteins (forexample, sodium casein, gelatin, albumin), chondroitin sulfate, andhyaluronic acid.

Non-limiting examples of water-soluble synthetic polymers includepolyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, sodium polymethacrylate,polyacrylic acid glycerin ester, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyacrylamide,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl methylether, polyvinyl sulfone, maleicacid copolymer, polyethylene oxide, polydiallyl amine, polyethyleneimine, water soluble cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethylcellulose, methyl cellulose, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate sodium salt), andstarch derivatives (for example, starch oxide, dialdehyde starch,dextrin, British gum, acetyl starch, starch phosphate, carboxymethylstarch, hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch).

Skin Active Ingredients

The mask base composition or the crosslinking composition may includeoen or more skin-active ingredients. Non-limiting examples of activeskin-agents include adenosine,2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES),hyaluronic acid, lanolin, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaricacid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, a vitamin, a retinoid, retinal,retinoic acid, a carotenoid, an amino acid, a protein, an enzyme, and acoenzyme. In some cases the skin-active ingredient is adenosine and/orhyaluronic acid. In one embodiment the mask base composition and/or thecrosslinking composition comprises a skin-active selected from the groupconsisting of a humectants or moisturizing ingredient, an anti-agingagent, a depigmenting agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, or an agent thattreats oily skin.

Humectants and moisturizing ingredients may be in particular glyceroland its derivatives, urea and its derivatives, especially Hydrovancemarketed by National Starch, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, AHA, BHA,sodium pidolate, xylitol, serine, sodium lactate, ectoin and itsderivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, collagen, plankton, anextract of Imperata cylindra sold under the name Moist 24 by Sederma,homopolymers of acrylic acid as Lipidure-HM of NOF Corporation,beta-glucan and in particular sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucanMibelle-AG-Biochemistry, a mixture of oils passionflower, apricot, corn,and rice bran sold by Nestle under the name NutraLipids, a C-glycosidederivatives, in particular the C-13-D-xylopyranoside-2-hydroxypropane inthe form of a solution at 30% by weight of active material in awater/propylene glycol mixture (60/40 wt %) as the product produced bythe company Chimex under the trade name “Mexoryl SBB”, a rose hip oilmarketed by Nestle, a micro-algae extract Prophyridium cruentum enrichedwith zinc, marketed under the name by Vincience Algualane Zinc spheresof collagen and chondroitin sulfate of marine origin (Atelocollagen)sold by the company Engelhard Lyon under the name Marine FillingSpheres, hyaluronic acid spheres such as those marketed by EngelhardLyon, and arginine.

Depigmenting agents include vitamin C and its derivatives and especiallyvitamin CG, CP and 3-O ethyl vitamin C, alpha and beta arbutin, ferulicacid, lucinol and its derivatives, kojic acid, resorcinol andderivatives thereof, tranexamic acid and derivatives thereof, gentisicacid, homogentisic, methyl gentisate or homogentisate, dioic acid, Dpantheteine calcium sulphonate, lipoic acid, ellagic acid, vitamin B3,linoleic acid and its derivatives, ceramides and their counterparts,derived from plants such as chamomile, bearberry, the aloe family (vera,ferox, bardensis), mulberry, skullcap, a water kiwi fruit (Actinidiachinensis) marketed by Gattefosse, an extract of Paeonia suffruticosaroot, such as that sold by Ichimaru Pharcos under the name LiquidBotanpi Be an extract of brown sugar (Saccharum officinarum) such asmolasses extract marketed by Taiyo Kagaku under the name LiquidMolasses, without this list being exhaustive. Particular depigmentingagents include vitamin C and its derivatives and especially vitamin CG,CP and 3-0 ethyl vitamin C, alpha and beta arbutin, ferulic acid, kojicacid, resorcinol and derivatives, D pantheteine calcium sulfonate,lipoic acid, ellagic acid, vitamin B3, a water kiwi fruit (Actinidiachinensis) marketed by Gattefosse, an extract of Paeonia suffruticosaroot, such as that sold by the company Ichimaru Pharcos under the nameBotanpi Liquid B.

The term “anti-wrinkle active” refers to a natural or synthetic compoundproducing a biological effect, such as the increased synthesis and/oractivity of certain enzymes, when brought into contact with an area ofwrinkled skin, this has the effect of reducing the appearance ofwrinkles and/or fine lines. Exemplary anti-wrinkle actives may be chosenfrom: desquamating agents, anti-glycation agents, inhibitors ofNO-synthase, agents stimulating the synthesis of dermal or epidermalmacromolecules and/or preventing their degradation, agents forstimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes, orfor stimulating keratinocyte differentiation reducing agents; musclerelaxants and/or dermo-decontracting agents, anti-free radical agents,and mixtures thereof. Examples of such compounds are: adenosine and itsderivatives and retinol and its derivatives such as retinol palmitate,ascorbic acid and its derivatives such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphateand ascorbyl glucoside; tocopherol and derivatives thereof such astocopheryl acetate, nicotinic acid and its precursors such asnicotinamide; ubiquinone; glutathione and precursors thereof such asL-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, the compounds C-glycosides andtheir derivatives as described in particular in EP-1345919, inparticular C-beta-D-xylopyranoside-2-hydroxy-propane as described inparticular in EP-1345919, plant extracts including sea fennel andextracts of olive leaves, as well as plant and hydrolysates thereof suchas rice protein hydrolysates or soybean proteins; algal extracts and inparticular laminaria, bacterial extracts, the sapogenins such asdiosgenin and extracts of Dioscorea plants, in particular wild yam,comprising: the a-hydroxy acids, f3-hydroxy acids, such as salicylicacid and n-octanoyl-5-salicylic oligopeptides and pseudodipeptides andacyl derivatives thereof, in particular acid{2-[acetyl-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amino]-3-methyl-}acetic acid andlipopeptides marketed by the company under the trade names SEDERMAMatrixyl 500 and Matrixyl 3000; lycopene, manganese salts and magnesiumsalts, especially gluconates, and mixtures thereof.

As adenosine derivatives include especially non-phosphate derivatives ofadenosine, such as in particular the 2′-deoxyadenosine, 2′,3′-adenosineisopropoylidene; the toyocamycine, 1-methyladenosine,N-6-methyladenosine; adenosine N-oxide, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside,and the 6-chloropurine riboside.

Other derivatives include adenosine receptor agonists such as adenosineadenosine phenylisopropyl (“PIA”), 1-methylisoguanosine,N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA),2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, 2-chloroadenosine, N6-phenyladenosine,2-phenylaminoadenosine, MECA, N 6-phenethyladenosine,2-p-(2-carboxy-ethyl) phenethyl-amino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine(CGS-21680), N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA), the5′(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamidoadenosine, DPMA (PD 129.944) andmetrifudil.

In one embodiment the cosmetic composition comprises an activeingredient that addresses oily skin. These actives can besebo-regulating or antiseborrhoeic agents capable of regulating theactivity of sebaceous glands. These include: retinoic acid, benzoylperoxide, sulfur, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine or) chloride, selenium,samphire—the cinnamon extract blends, tea and octanoylglycine such as—15Sepicontrol A5 TEA from Seppic—the mixture of cinnamon, sarcosine andoctanoylglycine marketed especially by Seppic under the trade nameSepicontrol AS—zinc salts such as zinc gluconate, zincpyrrolidonecarboxylate (or zinc pidolate), zinc lactate, zinc aspartate,zinc carboxylate, zinc salicylate 20, zinc cysteate;—derivativesparticularly copper and copper pidolate as Cuivridone Solabia—extractsfrom plants of Arnica montana, Cinchona succirubra, Eugeniacaryophyllata, Humulus lupulus, Hypericum perforatum, Mentha pipenta 25Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris, allmarketed for example by Maruzen—extracts of meadowsweet (Spiraeaulmaria), such as that sold under the name Sebonormine by Silab—extractsof the alga Laminaria saccharina, such as that sold under the 30 namePhlorogine by Biotechmarine—the root extracts of burnet mixtures(Sanguisorba officinalis/Poterium officinale), rhizomes of ginger(Zingiber officinalis) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia), such asthat sold under the name Sebustop by Solabia—extracts of flaxseed suchas that sold under the name Linumine by Lucas Meyer—Phellodendronextracts such as those sold under the name Phellodendron extract BG byMaruzen or Oubaku liquid B by Ichimaru Pharcos—of argan oil mixturesextract of Serenoa serrulata (saw palmetto) extract and sesame seedssuch as that sold under the name Regu SEB by Pentapharm—mixtures ofextracts of willowherb, of Terminalia chebula, nasturtium and ofbioavailable zinc (microalgae), such as that sold under the nameSeborilys Green Tech;—extracts of Pygeum afrianum such as that soldunder the name Pygeum afrianum sterolic lipid extract byEuromed—extracts of Serenoa serrulata such as those sold under the nameViapure Sabal by Actives International, and those sold by the companyEuromed—of extracts of plantain blends, Berberis aquifolium and sodiumsalicylate 20 such as that sold under the name Seboclear Rahn—extract ofclove as that sold under the name Clove extract powder by Maruzen—arganoil such as that sold under the name Lipofructyl LaboratoriesSerobiologiques; 25—lactic protein filtrates, such as that sold underthe name Normaseb by Sederma—the seaweed laminaria extracts, such asthat sold under the name Laminarghane by Biotechmarine—oligosaccharidesseaweed Laminaria digitata, such as that sold under the namePhycosaccharide 30 AC by the company Codif—extracts of sugar cane suchas that sold under the name Policosanol by the company Sabinsa, thesulfonated shale oil, such as that sold under the name Ichtyol Pale byIchthyol—extracts of ‘meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria) such as that soldunder the name Cytobiol Ulmaire by societeLibiol—sebacic acid,especially sold in the form of a sodium polyacrylate gel under the nameSebosoft by Sederma—glucomannans extracted from konjac tuber andmodified with alkylsulfonate chains such as that sold under the nameBiopol Beta by Arch Chemical—extracts of Sophora angustifolia, such asthose sold under the name Sophora powder or Sophora extract byBioland—extracts of cinchona bark succirubra such as that sold under thename Red Bark HS by Alban Muller—extracts of Quillaja saponaria such asthat sold under the name 15 Panama wood HS by Alban Muller—glycinegrafted onto an undecylenic chain, such as that sold under the nameLipacide UG OR by SEPPIC—the mixture of oleanolic acid andnordihydroguaiaretic acid, such as that sold under the form of a gelunder the name AC.Net by Sederma; 20—phthalimidoperoxyhexanoicacid—citrate tri (C12-C13) sold under the name COSMACOL ECI by Sasol;trialkyl citrate (C14-C15) sold under the name COSMACOL ECL bySasol—10-hydroxydecanoic acid, including mixtures acid-hydroxydecanoicOctober 25, sebacic acid and 1,10-decandiol such as that sold under thename Acnacidol BG by Vincience and mixtures thereof.

Implementation of the instant disclosure is provided by way of thefollowing examples. The examples serve to illustrate the technologywithout being limiting in nature.

EXAMPLE 1 Mask Base Compositions

A B C D E Function Ingredient wt. % wt. % wt. % wt. % wt. % AlginateSODIUM 2 2 2 2 2 ALGINATE Hectorite or LITHIUM 3 Laponite MAGNESIUMSODIUM SILICATE Kaolin KAOLONITE 3 Montmorillonite HYDRATED 2 ALUMINUMSILICATE Mica ALUMINIUM 3 FLUORO MAGNESIUM SODIUM SILICATE Water-SolubleGLYCERIN 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 Solvent Water WATER q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s.q.s. 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Formulations A-E were used to create films and the elongation(elongation to break) of the films was determined. Each of the mask basecompositions of Formulations A-E were separately spread onto glassplates at a thickness of approximately 200 μm. A crosslinkingcomposition of 5% aqueous calcium chloride was sprayed onto the maskbase compositions (which were spread on glass plates) at a rate of 5grams of solution per 100 cm² of mask base composition. After theresulting films were allowed to crosslink for five minutes at ambienttemperature (about 25° C.), the films were removed from the glass platesand subjected to elongation testing to determine the elongation tobreak.

Elongation testing was carried out in triplicate for each of the filmsformed. A 5-cm long strip of each film was attached to twoplates/holders having a gap (distance from each of the plates from eachother) of 1.2 cm. The initial length of each 5-cm long strip locatedbetween the plates/holders was 1.6 cm. The two plates/holders wereslowly moved apart from each other in order to stretch the films. Thetime to taut (approximate time before the tensional force is greaterthan zero) was approximately 8 seconds. The deformation value is theamount film stretched beyond its initial length.

For example, in the case of Trial 1 for formulation A, the deformationlength is 1.4 and therefore the total length would have been 3.0 cm atthe point of breaking (1.4+1.6=3.0). Thus, the % Elongation to break of88% is calculated as 1.4/1.6 (Amount beyond initial value/Initialvalue). Data from the testing is presented in the table below.

Formulation Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Avg. Std. A Deformation 1.4  1.151.2  (cm) % Elongation  88% 72%  75%  78%  7% to break B Deformation3.9  3.6  3.35 (cm) % Elongation 244% 225%  209% 226% 14% to break CDeformation 1.17 1.85 1.78 (cm) % Elongation  73% 116%  111% 100% 24% tobreak D Deformation 2.14 1.30 1.87 (cm) % Elongation 134% 81% 117% 111%27% to break E Deformation 1.81 1.45 1.6  (cm) % Elongation 113% 91%100% 101% 11% to break

The data in the above-table shows that films made with lithium magnesiumsodium silicate (laponite/hectorite) were surprisingly more elastic thanfilms made with other smectite clays and surprisingly more elastic thanfilms made with mica.

EXAMPLE 2 Addition Examples of Mask Base Compositions

Formulations F-H represent mask base compositions according to theinstant disclosure.

Formulation F INCI US wt. % Alginate ALGINATE 3 Hectorite LITHIUMMAGNESIUM 3 SODIUM SILICATE Water-Soluble GLYCERIN 10 Solvent PROPYLENEGLYCOL 3 Salts CITRIC ACID/SODIUM 0.1 CITRATE Preservative SODIUMBENZOATE, 0.7 POTASSIUM SORBATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Thickener LOCUST BEANGUM 0.1 Skin Active VITAMIN C 0.1 Optional Fragrances PERFUMES ≤2 WaterWATER q.s. 100% Formulation G INCI US wt. % Alginate ALGINATE 3Hectorite LITHIUM MAGNESIUM 3 SODIUM SILICATE Water-Soluble GLYCERIN 10Solvent PENTYLENE GLYCOL 3 Salts SODIUM CARBONATE 0.1 AND/OR SODIUMBICARBONATE Preservative SODIUM BENZOATE, 0.7 POTASSIUM SORBATE,CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Thickener XANTHAN GUM 0.1 Skin Active CAFFEINE AND/OR0.1 NIACINAMIDE Optional Fragrances PERFUMES ≤2 Water WATER q.s. 100%Formulation H INCI US wt. % Alginate ALGINATE 3 Hectorite LITHIUMMAGNESIUM 3 SODIUM SILICATE Water-Soluble GLYCERIN 10 SolventHYDROXYETHYL 3 UREA Salts DIPOTASSIUM 0.1 PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUMPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM EDTA Preservative SODIUM BENZOATE, 0.7 POTASSIUMSORBATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Thickener AMMONIUM 0.1 ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER Skin Active ADENOSINE 0.1 Optional FragrancesPERFUMES ≤2 Water WATER q.s. 100%

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferredembodiments but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that it iscapable to use in various other combinations, modifications, andenvironments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scopeof the inventive concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with theabove teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Theembodiments described herein above are further intended to explain bestmodes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with thevarious modifications required by the particular applications or usesthereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit theinvention to the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended to theappended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” (or“comprise,” “have,” and “include”) are used in their open, non-limitingsense.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural aswell as the singular.

Thus, the term “a mixture thereof” also relates to “mixtures thereof.”Throughout the disclosure, if the term “a mixture thereof” is used,following a list of elements as shown in the following example whereletters A-F represent the elements: “one or more elements selected fromthe group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture thereof.” Theterm, “a mixture thereof” does not require that the mixture include allof A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may beincluded). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A,B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent tothe phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting ofA, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, andF.”

Likewise, the term “a salt thereof” also relates to “salts thereof.”Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,”it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included,one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be include, or a mixture of any two of A,B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

The salts referred to throughout the disclosure may include salts havinga counter-ion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammoniumcounterion. This list of counterions, however, is non-limiting.

The expression “one or more” means “at least one” and thus includesindividual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditionscan be modified in all instances by the term “about,” meaning within+/−5% of the indicated number.

Some of the various categories of components identified for for thecompositions of the instant disclosure overlap. In such cases whereoverlap may exist and the composition/product includes two overlappingcomponents (or more than two overlapping components), an overlappingcomponent does not represent more than one component. For example, aparticular component may be defined as both a “thickening agent” and a“skin-active agent.” If a particular composition/product includes both athickening agent and a skin-active agent, a single component can serveas only a thickening agent or a skin-active agent (a single componentdoes not serve as both the thickening agent and the skin-active agent).

All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based upon the total weightof the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwiseindicated.

The term “treat” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refersto the application of the compositions of the instant disclosure onto asurface such as the skin. The term ‘treat,” and its grammaticalvariations, relates to contacting skin with the compositions of theinstant disclosure.

All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. Forexamples, any value or point described herein that falls within a rangedescribed herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive asub-range, etc. Furthermore, all ranges provided are meant to includeevery specific range within, and combination of sub-ranges between, thegiven ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4and 5, as well as sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

All components that are positively set forth in the instant disclosuremay be negatively excluded from the claims, e.g., a claimed compositionmay be “free,” “essentially free” (or “substantially free”) of one ormore components that are positively set forth in the instant disclosure.

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as ifeach individual publication or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event ofan inconsistency between the instant disclosure and any publications orpatent application incorporated herein by reference, the instantdisclosure controls.

1. A method for improving film elasticity of a mask, the methodcomprising: (a) applying a mask base composition onto a surface, themask base composition comprising: (i) alginic acid and/or a saltthereof; (ii) lithium magnesium sodium silicate; (iii) one or morewater-soluble solvents; and (iv) water; and (b) exposing the mask basecomposition to a crosslinking composition for a time sufficient tocrosslink the alginate and form a final mask, the crosslinkingcomposition being an aqueous liquid comprising: (i) one or morepolyvalent cations of one or more metals; and (ii) water.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the thickness of the final mask is 1-10 mm, andwherein the final mask has an elongation to break at 25° C. that is atleast 10% higher than that of an analogous mask not comprising lithiummagnesium sodium silicate.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein timesufficient to crosslink the alginate and form a final mask is one minuteor less.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask base composition isexposed to the crosslinking composition by spraying the crosslinkingcomposition onto the mask base composition that is applied to thesurface.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the final mask is a cream,paste, gel, or a solid composite having an elastic texture.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more polyvalent cations in thecrosslinking composition comprises calcium ions.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the mask base composition is free of added calcium ions. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the surface is skin.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the skin is facial skin of a human.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more water-soluble solvents of the mask basecomposition are selected from the group consisting of glycerin,alcohols, organic solvents, polyols, glycols, and a mixture thereof. 11.The method claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or morewater-soluble solvents is glycerin.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinthe ratio of the alginic acid and/or a salt thereof to lithium magnesiumsodium silicate is about 1:1 to about 1:5.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the final mask is: essentially free of mica; essentially free ofpolymeric film forming polymers other than the alginic acid, salts ofalginic acid, and the lithium magnesium sodium silicate; essentiallyfree of surfactants and/or emulsifiers; and/or essentially free ofsilicones.
 14. The method of claim 1 comprising: (a) applying a maskbase composition onto a surface, the mask base composition comprising:(i) about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the maskbase composition, of alginic acid and/or a salt thereof; (ii) about 0.1to about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask basecomposition, of lithium magnesium sodium silicate; (iii) about 0.1 toabout 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mask base composition,of one or more water-soluble solvents; and (iv) about 40 to about 95 wt.%, based on the total weight of the mask base composition, of water; and(b) exposing the mask base composition to a crosslinking composition fora time sufficient to crosslink the alginic acid and/or a salt thereofand form a final mask, the crosslinking composition being an aqueousliquid comprising: (i) about 0.1 to about 35 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the crosslinking composition, of salt(s) that provide one ormore polyvalent cations of one or more metals; and (ii) about 50 toabout 99 wt. %, based on the total weight of the crosslinkingcomposition, of water.
 15. A method of treating skin comprising: (a)spraying a mask base composition onto the skin, the mask basecomposition comprising: (i) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof; (ii)lithium magnesium sodium silicate; (iii) one or more water-solublesolvents; and (iv) water; and (b) spraying a crosslinking compositiononto the base composition on the skin for a time sufficient to crosslinkthe alginic acid and/or a salt thereof and form a final mask on theskin, the crosslinking composition comprising: (i) one or morepolyvalent cations of one or more metals; and (ii) water.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising removing the final mask from the skin.17. The method of claim 16, wherein removing the final mask from theskin comprises peeling at least a portion of the final mask from theskin.
 18. A mask formed by the method of claim
 1. 19. A kit for making amask, the kit comprising a) a mask base composition comprising: (i)alginic acid and/or a salt thereof; (ii) lithium magnesium sodiumsilicate; (iii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and (iv) water; andb) a crosslinking composition comprising: (i) one or more polyvalentcations of one or more metals; and (ii) optionally, water; wherein themask base composition and the crosslinking composition are separatelycontained.
 20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the polyvalent cationscomprise calcium ions.
 21. A kit for making a mask, the kit comprisinga) a mask base composition comprising: (i) alginic acid and/or a saltthereof; (ii) one or more water-soluble solvents; and (iii) water; andb) a composition comprising lithium magnesium sodium silicate; and c) acrosslinking composition comprising: (i) one or more polyvalent cationsof one or more metals; and (ii) optionally, water; wherein the mask basecomposition, the composition comprising lithium magnesium sodiumsilicate, and the crosslinking composition are separately contained. 22.The kit according to claim 21, wherein the polyvalent cations in thecrosslinking composition comprises calcium ions.